Very rare English silver watch with striking mechanism Circa 1810

Pocket watch made for the Ottoman market, around 1810
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A very rare verge watch with three cases and striking mechanism, made for the Ottoman market by Georg Prior in London, England, circa 1810. The watch features three cases, the first housing has a curved edge and a high quality side hinge, with tiny floral sound openings and a glazed back. The second housing also has a curved edge and floral sound openings and features a flower bowl in the centre. The inner housing is open work, with a flower motif in the middle and two harbour scenes on the edge. The white enamel dial with Turkish numerals for hours and minutes has black steel hands. The precise and reliable movement of the watch has a very fine verge escapement, a large diamond end stone and a small functional bell. Dial and movement are signed
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Weight: 90 g
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Signed: George Prior, London
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George Prior was a renowned watchmaker from London who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is known for his high quality pocket watches, which were highly sought after by the wealthy elite of his time. George Prior was a highly skilled and accomplished watchmaker who made significant contributions to the field of horology. Some of his most notable achievements include:

1. Inventing the detached lever escapement, which greatly improved the accuracy and reliability of pocket watches.
2. Developing a new type of balance wheel, which was more efficient and reliable than previous designs.
3. Creating a range of high quality watches that were popular with wealthy clients, including members of the royal family.
4. Establishing a successful watchmaking business in London, which became renowned for its quality and craftsmanship.

One of his most significant contributions to the industry was the development of the cylinder escapement, which was a major improvement over the earlier verge escapement. The cylinder escapement was more accurate and reliable than the verge escapement, and it quickly became the standard in watchmaking.

Prior was also known for his work on chronometers, which were used for navigation at sea. He worked closely with the Royal Observatory in Greenwich to develop accurate timepieces that could be used to determine longitude at sea.

George Prior’s contributions to watchmaking in London were significant and helped to establish the city as a centre of innovation and excellence in the field. His legacy continues to be felt in the industry today and he is remembered as one of the most important watchmakers of his time.